Why Do People Hate Emilia Clarke?
Emilia Clarke is a famous English actress best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones.
While Clarke has millions of fans around the world who adore her acting skills and charisma, she has also faced backlash and hatred from some people over the years. Here is an in-depth look at some of the main reasons why certain groups dislike or criticize Emilia Clarke.
Criticism of Her Acting Skills and Range
Claims that she is a “one role” actor
One of the most common criticisms of Emilia Clarke is that she is just a “one role” actor who got lucky by landing the role of Daenerys but doesn’t have much range outside of that. Some feel that she plays Daenerys in pretty much the same way in all her scenes with little nuance or evolution.
While Clarke has won praise for her work as Daenerys, detractors claim she has struggled to show versatility in other roles and tends to play similar character types. They argue that once Game of Thrones ended, Clarke’s career stalled because she is limited as an actress.
Perceptions that her acting is “wooden” or “emotionless”
Some have described Emilia Clarke’s acting as “wooden,” “emotionless,” or ” monotonic.” They claim she delivers her lines in a flat, detached manner and relies more on the costume, makeup, and wig than her own acting ability to portray Daenerys as a strong queen.
Critics point to what they see as a lack of subtlety and range in her facial expressions. They believe she fails to transmit the complexity of Daenerys’ inner journey and character development from a frightened girl to powerful conqueror.
Belief that she was miscast in Terminator Genisys
Clarke’s casting as Sarah Connor in Terminator Genisys provides further ammunition for those who question her acting chops. Fans of Linda Hamilton’s iconic performance as Sarah Connor in the original Terminator films were almost universally underwhelmed by Clarke’s take on the character.
Many blamed her for failing to capture the raw physicality and intensity fans expected from Sarah Connor. The film’s box office disappointment has been cited as evidence of Clarke’s limitations outside the Game of Thrones universe.
Backlash to Her Feminist and Political Views
Perception she is too outspoken on feminist issues
Clarke has been vocal about feminist issues like equal pay, women’s empowerment, and sexual harassment. She has embraced Daenerys as a feminist icon of strength and leadership for women.
Some conservative leaning fans have accused Clarke of being too outspoken with “radical feminist” views that don’t resonate with them. There is a sense from these critics that feminist dialogue and politics don’t belong in entertainment and fantasy franchises like Game of Thrones.
Disagreement with her anti-objectification stance
Related to her feminism, Clarke has spoken often about fighting the sexual objectification of women in the entertainment industry. She aims to be viewed as more than a sex symbol or pretty face.
However, some fans, particularly certain males, have reacted negatively to these stances. They claim Clarke is a hypocrite for appearing in nude scenes while also condemning objectification. They accuse her of exploiting nudity for fame while preaching feminism.
Perception she injects too much politics into her interviews
Besides feminism, Clarke has used interviews to push her views on other political issues like climate change, refugees, and healthcare policy.
Some critics believe celebrities should avoid politics and just “act” or “shut up and dribble.” They would rather Clarke stick to promoting her work without engaging in controversial issues that divide fans across ideological lines. This further fuels animosity from those who differ with her worldview.
Criticisms of Her Privileged Background
Claims she lied about growing up “poor”
In several interviews, Emilia Clarke has talked about growing up poor and struggling to pay rent early in her career. However, it emerged her father was a successful sound designer who sent Clarke to expensive private schools.
After doubts were raised, Clarke clarified she was more “middle class” than poor, but some still feel she embellished her background to appear more relatable and gain undeserved sympathy. They see it as dishonest self-promotion.
Belief she is disconnected from average person’s struggles
Related to disputes around her wealth, some believe Clarke is disconnected from the struggles of average young actors or early career challenges most “commoners” face trying to achieve success in cutthroat industries like entertainment.
They see her as someone who relied more on family privilege and prestigious education than bootstrapping grit. Even after her fame and fortune, they believe she still lacks understanding of what life is like for everyday working-class folks.
Game of Thrones Fan Complaints About Daenerys
Dissatisfaction with her Game of Thrones character arc
While impressions of Clarke’s acting are a factor, much of the animosity towards her stems from anger over her character Daenerys’ controversial arc in the final Game of Thrones seasons.
Many were upset with how the show took Daenerys from heroic liberator to violent villain in The Bells. They were disappointed Clarke didn’t fight against the script’s “assassination” of a character fans were so invested in.
Blame on her for Game of Thrones ending
Daenerys’ downfall is inextricably linked to the larger dissatisfaction fans had with the ending of Game of Thrones. As the face of that final season storyline, Clarke has borne a disproportionate brunt of fans’ overall frustrations with how the show wrapped up.
Some have unfairly projected overall bitterness about not getting their desired ending onto Emilia Clarke herself. While misguided, it demonstrates how personal and entwined star and character become for devoted fans.
Perceived Lack of Gratitude Towards Game of Thrones Fans
Belief she takes fans for granted
Another complaint about Clarke is that she takes Game of Thrones fans for granted or fails to show appropriate gratitude for the platform the show gave her career. She has said producers initially saw her as expendable eye candy and fans saved her job.
Despite this, some believe she doesn’t fully acknowledge that without Thrones mania and fan goodwill she would not have such opportunities. To them, comments like asking to be excluded from Game of Thrones prequels come across as dismissive towards fans who invested in her rise.
Lack of fan interaction on social media
Fans also criticize what they see as Clarke’s social media presence lacking meaningful engagement with them. She uses Instagram mainly for professional announcements rather than candid, authentic interaction.
Compared to actors like Jason Momoa, who engages directly with fans frequently on social media, Clarke is seen as more aloof and distant from the fanbase that fueled her meteoric rise to the A-list.
Concerns About Her Health After Brain Hemorrhages
Fears that brain injuries impacted her cognitive abilities
In 2019, Clarke revealed she had suffered two life-threatening aneurysms that required brain surgery while filming Game of Thrones. Fans expressed grave concerns about long-term impacts on her health and cognitive abilities.
Some have speculated recurring memory loss or neurological damage from the trauma could be factors in what they perceive as declining acting skills. Sympathy for her health battles competes with fears it may have affected her performances.
Worries that leaked health issues were behind GoT filming issues
Rumors that Clarke’s secret health struggles caused delays and issues during shooting have made some fans resentful at perceived “special treatment” or accommodation. They feel it took focus away from delivering the best final product for fans.
However, these sorts of complaints appear callous in light of the severity of Clarke’s injuries. The film schedule seems trivial compared to the fact that she nearly died and battled for recovery while continuing to work.
Concerns about passion projects stalling after illnesses
Before her surgeries, Clarke had spoken enthusiastically about plans to launch a production company, star in solo films away from Thrones, and develop creative passion projects.
Fans who had been excited about these ambitions pre-brain hemorrhages have expressed disappointment that her health crises seemed to stall that momentum. Her restart now seems centered on sticking with safe franchise roles fans have already rejected her in rather than bold new directions.
Declining Interest in Her Post-Game of Thrones Roles
Rejection of her Terminator Genisys performance
As discussed regarding her acting, fans did not respond well to Clarke as Sarah Connor in the failed Terminator reboot. After years awaiting Clarke expanding her repertoire, fans felt that first attempt couldn’t match the iconic original Sarah.
Rather than demonstrating her range, the film confirmed suspicions that she thrived in Game of Thrones specifically due to costume, effects, co-stars, etc. more than raw acting ability. This cemented reluctance about her career prospects.
Lack of enthusiasm for upcoming MCU role
Clarke’s joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Secret Invasion has been met with a mostly tepid response online. After frustrations over the Terminator outing, fans seem cautious about her ability to succeed in another major franchise role right now.
While some are intrigued what she can bring to the table, most comments are along the lines of skepticism that she has the action heroine skills the MCU demands or belief that the role would have better suited other actresses.
View that she depends too much on franchise roles
Beyond specific parts like Sarah Connor and her MCU character, a common sentiment is that Emilia Clarke depends too much on big franchises to keep getting opportunities despite fan rejections.
Some believe she would have more success returning to smaller indie productions and proving herself there first. However, she appears risk-averse and afraid to be out of the public eye between giant tentpoles.
Perceived Lack of Meaningful Roles Since Game of Thrones
Opinion she hasn’t found a worthy prestige project
Critics of Emilia Clarke’s post-Game of Thrones career moves argue she has yet to select a truly worthy prestige project that displays serious acting chops. Rather than big action blockbusters, they want to see her in complex indie films.
Fans who want to take Clarke seriously feel she needs risky, gritty, emotionally challenging lead roles with depth. Things like Last Christmas feel like forgettable Hollywood cash grabs beneath an actress of her talents in their eyes.
Desire to see her move beyond genre and fantasy
Relatedly, some express fatigue with Clarke remaining in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. They want to see what she can do in grounded, realistic stories without effects and lavish costumes as “crutches.”
There is a sense that leaning so much into famous characters like dragons and terminators plays it overly safe. Trying her hand at pure acting pieces would earn newfound respect.
Belief she plays it too safe and comfortable
Overall, critics of Clarke’s recent career summarize it as playing it generally too safe and comfortable. Rather than sticking with what worked on Game of Thrones, they want to see her take risks, surprise fans, and show unseen sides of herself.
The public doesn’t feel like they are getting the best of what Clarke is capable of in her current project choices. ‘Comfortable’ comes across as complacent or unambitious in fans’ minds.
Declining Off-Screen Media Presence and Popularity
Less frequent appearances in celebrity/entertainment media
In the heyday of Game of Thrones, Clarke was a massive fixture across mainstream entertainment and celebrity media. As fan enthusiasm has cooled post-Thrones, she seems to get considerably less coverage and attention from these outlets.
Whereas media once breathlessly covered her every move and interview, interest has waned with her lack of hit projects lately. For fans, less buzz contributes to a sense that she is fading from relevance.
Lower social media engagement levels
On Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms, Clarke’s follower counts remain high but actual interaction rates look far lower than her viral Thrones days. Her posts don’t spread nearly as far or trigger the frenzied response they once did.
This applies to both shares and comments – her fanbase appears less mobilized and energized lately. Lower engagement makes her seem less popular and exciting than past Clarke mania would suggest.
Fewer high profile lifestyle branding partnerships
With her media spotlight dimmed and limited career momentum lately, Clarke doesn’t seem to land the same volume of luxury endorsement deals and partnerships as before.
Brands may see her as a riskier bet compared to actresses currently at their peak of popularity. The lavish lifestyle promotions added to her aura of glamor during Thrones. Their absence makes her cool factor feel diluted.
Dislike Towards Her Off-Screen Personality and Interviews
Perceived lack of charisma compared to her fame level
Some people feel that while Clarke reached incredible heights of celebrity, she lacks the innate charisma and charm of other A-list stars. Her media persona feels more manufactured PR than magnetic movie star personality.
While fortunes were made marketing a fantasy heroine image for her, detractors believe that facade crumbles in real world settings. The magic she seems to lack without costumes and effects frustrates fans seeking authenticity.
Belief she tries too hard to be funny and quirky
A common sentiment is that Clarke pushes an awkward, cringeworthy sense of humor too hard off-screen. Her attempts to showcase kooky antics and a “cool girl” vibe in interviews fall flat for some.
Rather than highlighting a quick wit or self-deprecating charm fans appreciate in other stars, Clarke’s efforts strike some as uncomfortable or phony. They want her relaxed real self, not a character.
Dislike of frequent “silly faces” and voices
Related to forced humor perceptions, many fans complain about Clarke’s tendency to make exaggerated silly faces and affected voices during press interviews. She frequently crosses her eyes, sticks out her tongue, or uses a cartoonish pitch.
While likely intended to show she doesn’t take herself too seriously, for some these habits undermine her intelligence and professionalism. They find the gimmicky faces more grating than endearing.
Conclusion
In summary, Emilia Clarke elicits strong negative reactions from some groups due to a mix of factors:
- Ongoing critiques of her acting skills and range beyond Game of Thrones
- Her outspoken liberal/feminist political stances
- Perceptions she embellished a working class background
- Associations with the disappointing Game of Thrones finale
- Underwhelming post-GoT roles like Terminator Genisys
- Reluctance to take risks and avoidance of serious prestige film projects
- Declining popularity indicators as media buzz and fan engagement wanes
- A public persona some see as awkward or inauthentic during interviews
However, these criticisms seem disproportionate and fail to recognize several mitigating factors. Clarke overcame life-threatening health issues to complete filming one of history’s most ambitious and grueling TV productions at a remarkably young age.
She has shown grace under unrelenting public pressure few can comprehend. No actor deserves vitriol for the scripts or direction they are handed. At just 35, Clarke has decades left to take on diverse roles and evolve her impressive talents.
Regardless of past letdowns, true fans will continue to root for her future success rather than prematurely write her off.
FAQs About Emilia Clarke Backlash
Why do people think Emilia Clarke is a bad actress?
- Criticisms of Clarke’s acting include claims she showed limited emotional range as Daenerys, relies too much on costuming/makeup, struggled in roles like Terminator, and has a “wooden” or “flat” style.
What political views do people dislike Emilia Clarke for having?
- Clarke has faced backlash for being vocal about feminism, women’s equality, environmental issues and other liberal-leaning causes. Her views clash with more conservative fans.
How has Emilia Clarke’s health affected fan perceptions of her?
- After revealing she suffered two brain aneurysms, some fans worry lasting neurological impacts hurt her performances. Others resent speculation her health caused GoT filming issues.
Why are people disappointed with Emilia Clarke’s post-GoT roles?
- Fans cite lackluster films like Terminator Genisys and generic franchises over serious prestige projects. They want her to take risks in complex, gritty indie films to showcase her talents.
What do critics point to as signs of Emilia Clarke’s fading popularity?
- Metrics like declining media coverage, lower social engagement, and fewer luxury/lifestyle endorsements suggest her star power is waning following Game of Thrones.
How do people describe Emilia Clarke’s annoying or off-putting interview persona?
- Frequent silly faces/voices plus trying too hard to appear quirky have given some the impression her media personality feels forced, inauthentic or cringeworthy.